Jimmy Plain passed away on June 24. His racing career was short but spectacular.

Plain started as a Novice in June of 1960 and ended the year as top Novice in the USA with points mostly earned at Ascot Half Miles and Selma TTs. Frank Cooper became his sponsor, with Mel Dinesen wrenching. Harold Murrell sponsored his TT rides on his Triumph.

As an Amateur in 1961, Plain rode Bugs’ BSA for half miles and road races. He contested TTs on Harold Murrell’s Triumph. He won National races at Heidelberg and Sacramento and was high-point Amateur on the Ascot TT.

In 1962, as an Expert, he received his National number, 25, which had formerly belonged to Everett Brashear. Plain then got a factory ride with Triumph.

After a mechanical breakdown in Daytona, he focused on Pro dirt racing in California. He crashed at a Hayward TT and was unconscious for almost two weeks. After a long rehab and a couple of 1964 TT “comeback” crashes, he retired.

On Wednesday, July 9, at 5:30 p.m., there will be a memorial Jimmy Plain at Tom Keeble’s Barnaby Machine Shop, located at 954 Shulman Street in Santa Clara. Please pass this along to Jimmy’s friends. Be prepared to share a story or bring photos. Also, please bring beverages for yourself. Thank you to Tom for being so gracious to offer his shop to celebrate Jimmy’s life.

Jimmy’s sister Jacklyn would like to hear from his friends in the San Jose area. Please call her at 951/743 9667

Jimmy was a great guy and will be missed by us all. Godspeed, Jimmy Plain.

A Note from Skip Van Leeuwen
Hello, everybody. So sorry I cannot make it up there. However, I would like to say a few words about Jimmy the man, more than Jimmy the racer.

I first met Jimmy Plain at Ascot Park when he came down here with Dick Mann. The chemistry between us was there, and we became instant friends for over 50 years.

Here is what Jimmy Plain was to me and all the guys: He was always full of enthusiasm. He always had a positive attitude. He was always there with a smile on his face. He was the guy you wanted to hang out with. Jimmy was one of those guys who made everything better for everyone involved.

It wasn’t just about the racing. It was also about sharing that experience with the people and friends that mattered most in life. He loved racing, the sport and people. What a guy! I am proud to be associated with Jimmy and I am honored that he called me friend.

Jimmy left a big void in the motorcycle business and a bigger void in the hearts of the people that knew him best. No man is perfect, but anybody who knew Jimmy knows that this world was a better place with him than without him.